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​My Story: From Struggle to Service in Public Education
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Woodward School for Technology and Research, 2018
After graduating from high school, I began my college journey at Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) in the fall of 2002. However, I encountered academic challenges within weeks of starting the semester. Realizing the need for more preparation, I decided to drop out during my first semester and enter the workforce.
In early 2003, I crossed paths with Mr. Tauhric Brown, a Sales Manager at Nextel Communications. Despite my lack of knowledge and experience, he saw potential in me and offered me a job after the interview. His mentorship was not just a turning point in my life, but a guiding light that instilled the confidence and skills to excel in sales. More importantly, it reignited my belief in my ability to succeed and set me on a path toward my aspirations. While I found fulfillment in my sales role, my desire to become a teacher remained. In January 2005, I decided to return to college and re-enrolled at Kalamazoo Valley Community College.
My decision to continue my college education in January 2005 was a turning point. Reenrolling at Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) with renewed determination, I confronted the obstacles that had hindered me. Through perseverance and hard work, I earned an Associate of Arts degree, marking a significant milestone in my academic journey. This achievement boosted my confidence and motivated me to transfer to Western Michigan University to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. It was a transformative experience that inspired me to overcome challenges and achieve my goals.
During my time at Western Michigan University, I experienced significant personal and professional growth. The supportive academic environment and the opportunities for advancement allowed me to deepen my understanding of education and refine my classroom skills. This experience strengthened my passion for teaching and gave me the knowledge and confidence to positively impact my future students' lives.
A pivotal moment during my college years was my participation in the Urban Program, a selective student teaching initiative at WMU. This program required me to commit to teaching for two consecutive semesters in a specific KPS building under the guidance of the same mentor teacher. This opportunity provided me with a full year of invaluable classroom experience.
Student Teaching Internship, 2008
During my student teaching internship, my mentor teacher was Ms. Tamara Fleckenstein, a first-grade teacher at Washington Writers Academy. Her dedication to her students and unwavering support for public education made a lasting impression on me. Her guidance and support beyond academics have been invaluable to me, and I am so grateful for her influence on my life.
After completing my student teaching, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education from Western Michigan University. Through hard work, dedication, and perseverance, I maintained a GPA of 3.62.
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WMU Urban Program Graduates, April 2009
WMU Graduation, April 2009
After graduating, I was fortunate to join the staff at Washington Writers Academy. I started as a paraprofessional, providing reading interventions to our K-5 students who needed the most support. Later, I worked in long-term substitute teacher positions in kindergarten and fifth grade. The staff members at WWA were incredibly dedicated to KPS students and their achievements.
I began working as a first-grade teacher at Spring Valley Center for Exploration in the KPS district in the fall of 2010. I was under the leadership of Mrs. Susan Dameron, who I highly respected. Her dedication to the school community, always prioritizing students and staff, was truly admirable. I am very grateful to Susan for the opportunity she gave me, which has been crucial to my career growth.
After my first year, I transferred to Woodward School for Technology and Research, where I continued to teach for the remainder of my career. My dedication to nurturing young minds and my commitment to the KPS district remained unwavering throughout my tenure. Some of my former first-grade students may remember me as Mrs. Long during these years.
My time at Woodward was a period of significant personal and professional growth for me. As an educator in the KPS district, I worked closely with some of the most dedicated administrators, teachers, and support staff I have ever known. These individuals were genuinely committed to the well-being of children. Woodward's teachers and support staff were very close; some of us would even show up to work wearing the same outfit unplanned!
Ms. Dayton & Mrs. Klobucher, First Grade
My passion for nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning remained strong throughout my teaching career. This passion grew stronger over time, motivating me to pursue a Master's in Education focusing on Reading and Literacy, K-6, from Marygrove College. This academic achievement solidified my commitment to empowering students through literacy.
In late 2018, I decided to leave KPS and pursue a career as a higher education sales consultant in the education technology industry. I worked for both Pearson Education and McGraw Hill Education, which broadened my professional horizons and enhanced my understanding of the higher education sector. Leveraging my expertise, I established significant connections with academic professionals and institutions, providing tailored solutions to meet the specific course requirements of each professor or instructor.
After a few years, I decided to return to the K-12 sector. I started working at NWEA (Northwest Evaluation Association), where I consulted with K-12 public school administrators and district staff. My role involved integrating educational assessment solutions, school improvement, district professional development, and resources into their K-12 education curricula to align with the district's needs and strategic plan.
I also worked with several public schools in Indiana, where I assisted K-2 building and district administrators in implementing a state-mandatory dyslexia screener. Additionally, I traveled throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Indiana, emphasizing the importance of the science of reading and the literacy approach.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role at NWEA was the chance to work closely with a diverse group of professionals. I collaborated with highly talented individuals, including many retired and former educators and administrators from across the U.S. Our combined expertise in student growth and achievement, data, and assessment significantly contributed to my knowledge and understanding of these crucial areas in education.
In 2023, after several years of working in the EdTech sales industry, I decided to pursue my passion and start my own home furnishing and e-commerce business. Leaping into entrepreneurship has enabled me to channel my creativity and experience in a new direction.
My journey is a testament to dedication and perseverance. I am grateful for the opportunities to make a difference in education and beyond, and I look forward to continuing this journey.
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